When oppressive regimes clamp down on their citizens, freedom of expression—free speech—is always the first thing to go. Dictators have a lot to fear from individuals speaking up—through their writings, through art and film and music.

Friedman created a balance by allowing the congregation to be an integral part of the process. This is the core of her philosophy. “When you contribute,” she conveyed, “what you say really matters. Everything goes up and out.”